The Benefits of Exercise for Cancer Patients and Survivors with Andrea Leonard

By Ann Harper

1 min read

Recently, I had the pleasure of talking with Andrea Leonard, President of the Cancer Exercise Training Institute, about the importance of exercise during cancer. Andrea became interested in fitness after her cancer diagnosis and has, literally, made it her business to share the information she’s learned.

In this video she explains the benefits of exercise for people living with blood cancer, outlines some special concerns to be aware of, and offers tips to include exercise in your cancer recovery program. I hope you find the video informative.

Please check with your doctor to discuss if you have an exercise restrictions.

If you want to contact Andrea Leonard, you can at: https://www.thecancerspecialist.com/ or andrea@thecancerspecialist.com.

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Blood-Cancer.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo Moderator & Contributor
Good piece and I agree exercise in your day-to-day is a needed partner. This is a long marathon and whatever tools we can grasp on the ride helps.
1. Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Yolanda Brunson-Sarrabo" user-id="3647991"/> I totally agree! Thanks for watching. Ann (Blood-Cancer.com Team member)
Paula Rosado Moderator
I feel more confident after watching this. It was validating! I stay away from gyms, and pools just for the reasons she listed. I love to be in the water for that weightlessness and I go to the ocean on fine days. Most of my pain is in my shoulders and i groom horses to work that out. For me, seeing the physiotherapist gives me the extra stretch work I need or I seize up like the Tin Man! The lymphodema can really be a bother and I agree that taking thigs slowly and purposefully helps with that. Deep breathing and mediation has been my go to for over a year now and it helps with the pain. For me, doing the things that give me joy helps me get exercise without feeling like its a chore. More like its a decadent experience just for me and this meat package I call my body. Wonderful interview! Thanks so much for posting 😀 
1. Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Maria Valente" user-id="3654780"/> I’m glad you got to watch it. I like how you try to make exercise fun - it’s what I do too. Ann (Blood-Cancer.com Team member)
Amanda Brunson Moderator & Contributor
I absolutely love this I’m a big fitness fanatic and I worked out through active treatment and even after active treatment. I fine working out post treatment is even more important since you’re dealing with side effects your new norm and everything else on top. thank you for this🫂🧡🐼
1. Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Amanda Brunson" user-id="4145474"/> You’re so welcome and I’m glad you got to watch. Movement helped my daughter too when she was going through treatment. I also enjoy exercising. Ann (Blood-Cancer.com Team member)
Susan Gonsalves Moderator & Contributor
Having been in an exercise program post pt in 2021, I can attest it was the best I've felt since being diagnosed with CML 8 years ago. Unfortunately, things are rough right now but maybe some time I can rejoin and build my strength back up. I enjoyed the video. Susan (Blood-Cancer.com Team Member) 
1. Ann Harper Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Susan Gonsalves" user-id="3653135"/> Thank you for watching and I hope you will be able to start a program for yourself soon. It really does help. (Blood-Cancer.com Team member)